Geelani, Mirwaiz put under house arrest

SRINAGAR: Chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference were today put under house arrest as hard line leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani had called for a rally at Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake here.

Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads the moderate faction, and several second rung leaders of the Hurriyat Conference were put under house arrest this morning, officials said.

Restrictions were imposed on the movement of the separatists as there was an apprehension of breach of peace due to the rally planned by Geelani, they said.

This is the third consecutive Friday that authorities have foiled the plans of Geelani to hold a rally to highlight the demand for release of all political prisoners in the state.

The Hurriyat hawk had planned similar rallies in Shopian and Anantnag district towns on last two Fridays but was not allowed by the authorities to leave his home.